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Watch Aaron Rodgers walk off field after Steelers loss, retirement rumors
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- Watch Aaron Rodgers walk off field after Steelers loss, retirement rumors
It's decision time for Aaron Rodgers .
The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback saw his team's season come to an end on "Monday Night Football" in the wild-card round, losing to the Houston Texans in blowout fashion , 30-6.
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That signals the beginning of another offseason of uncertainty for Rodgers, who has toyed with the idea of retirement for multiple seasons now. He ultimately opted to come back for a 21st season to play for the Steelers, with the idea of potentially winning his second Super Bowl.
That dream never came to fruition for Rodgers, who instead walked off the field for potentially the final time on Jan. 12. Take a look:
The final moment came with a hug from Marquez Valdes-Scantling , who was a teammate of Rodgers' with the Green Bay Packers . It was a striking parallel to Rodgers walking off the field with Randall Cobb following his final game with the Packers.
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Only Rodgers knows in his heart what the future holds.
Prior to the 2025 season, he said it would likely be his last. Weeks ago, the quarterback wasn't ready to close the book just yet. Retirement talk has continued to swirl around Rodgers, who quickly faced those questions again after the game.
Aaron Rodgers played football at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, California from 1998 to 2001. During his junior and senior seasons as starting quarterback, Rodgers amassed 4,419 passing yards while helping the Vikings to a 17-7 mark.
(Aaron Rodgers)
California Golden Bears quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks to throw against USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Oct. 9, 2004.
(Peter Brouillet, USA TODAY Sports)
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, drafted 24th overall by the Green Bay Packers, poses with family and friends during the 2005 NFL draft at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on April 23, 2005.
(Chris Trotman, Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers' first round pick in the 2005 NFL draft, is introduced by GM Ted Thompson on April 24, 2005.
(USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis. via Imagn Content Services, LLC)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on Nov. 29, 2007.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)
Aaron Rodgers reacts after he threw a 7-yard touchdown to John Kuhn in the third quarter of the 2010 NFC divisional playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Jan. 15, 2011. Rodgers threw for three touchdowns and ran for a third in the Packers' 48-21 win.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers pumps his fist in the air celebrating the 2010 NFC championship game victory over the Chicago Bears on Jan. 23, 2011 at Soldier Field.
(PC Photo, The Post-Crescent)
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell presents the Super Bowl MVP trophy to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at a news conference on Feb. 7, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. The Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 to win Super Bowl XLV.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Aaron Rodgers celebrates the Super Bowl XLV title with Green Bay Packer fans during a Return to Titletown Celebration on Feb. 8, 2011 at Lambeau Field.
(Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
President Barack Obama receives a jersey from quarterback Aaron Rodgers (L) of the Green Bay Packers during a reception for the National Football League Super Bowl XLV champions on the south lawn of the White House on Aug. 12, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The Packers, lead by head coach Mike McCarthy, finished the 2010 season with a winning record of 10-6, and defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 to win the championship.
(Mark Wilson, Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers plays during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Spyglass Hill Golf Course on Feb. 8, 2018.
(Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports)
Danica Patrick and Aaron Rodgers look on during the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the first round of the 2019 NBA playoffs between the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 17, 2019. Rodgers has an ownership stake in the NBA team.
(Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)
Aaron Rodgers is shown with back up quarterbacks Tim Boyle (left) and Jordan Love during the team's training camp in Green Bay, Wis., on Aug. 24, 2020.
(Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Aaron Rodgers served as guest host of "Jeopardy!" for two weeks from April 6-15, 2021.
(Carol Kaelson/Jeopardy Productions)
Aaron Rodgers celebrates his rushing touchdown during a 24-14 win against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Oct. 17, 2021.
(Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Aaron Rodgers stand arm in arm late in the fourth quarter of a 24-10 win against the Washington Football Team on Oct. 24, 2021, at Lambeau Field
(Dan Powers / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is lifted up by guard Lucas Patrick after breaking Brett Favre's franchise record for touchdown passes during a Christmas Day 2021 game against the Cleveland Browns.
(Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports)
Aaron Rodgers walks off the field with teammate Randall Cobb following a season-ending loss to the Detroit Lions on Jan, 8, 2023 at Lambeau Field.
(Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)
Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets prior to the 2023 season after spending the first 18 years of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers.
(Ed Mulholland, USA TODAY Sports)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is injured after a sack by Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd during his first drive with the Jets on Sept. 11, 2023.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)
Aaron Rodgers looks on from the sideline during the New York Jets' 30-0 loss against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Dec. 17, 2023.
(Sam Navarro, USA TODAY Sports)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) signs a fan’s helmet before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 15, 2024.
(Morgan Tencza, Imagn Images)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and wide receiver Davante Adams (17) high-five each other as they walks off the field after a 32-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 15, 2024.
(Corey Perrine, Florida Times-Union)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws his 500th career touchdown pass in the second quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.
(Kevin R. Wexler, NorthJersey.com via USA TODAY Network)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) celebrates his touchdown pass to New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (17) (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025.
(Ed Mulholland, Imagn Images)
The ball used by New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers for his 500th touchdown pass is seen on the sideline during the second quarter of the Jets game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025.
(Ed Mulholland, Imagn Images)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks off the field with wide receiver Davante Adams (17) after a win against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers fumbles as he is hit by the Houston Texans' Will Anderson Jr. The Texans' Sheldon Rankins (90) returned the fumble for a touchdown as Houston went on to a 30-6 wild-card playoff win at Acrisure Stadium on Jan. 12, 2026.
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers played football at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, California from 1998 to 2001. During his junior and senior seasons as starting quarterback, Rodgers amassed 4,419 passing yards while helping the Vikings to a 17-7 mark.
(Aaron Rodgers)
1
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers played football at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, California from 1998 to 2001. During his junior and senior seasons as starting quarterback, Rodgers amassed 4,419 passing yards while helping the Vikings to a 17-7 mark.
(Aaron Rodgers)
2
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
California Golden Bears quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks to throw against USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Oct. 9, 2004.
(Peter Brouillet, USA TODAY Sports)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, drafted 24th overall by the Green Bay Packers, poses with family and friends during the 2005 NFL draft at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on April 23, 2005.
(Chris Trotman, Getty Images)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers' first round pick in the 2005 NFL draft, is introduced by GM Ted Thompson on April 24, 2005.
(USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis. via Imagn Content Services, LLC)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on Nov. 29, 2007.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers reacts after he threw a 7-yard touchdown to John Kuhn in the third quarter of the 2010 NFC divisional playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Jan. 15, 2011. Rodgers threw for three touchdowns and ran for a third in the Packers' 48-21 win.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers pumps his fist in the air celebrating the 2010 NFC championship game victory over the Chicago Bears on Jan. 23, 2011 at Soldier Field.
(PC Photo, The Post-Crescent)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell presents the Super Bowl MVP trophy to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at a news conference on Feb. 7, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. The Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 to win Super Bowl XLV.
(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers celebrates the Super Bowl XLV title with Green Bay Packer fans during a Return to Titletown Celebration on Feb. 8, 2011 at Lambeau Field.
(Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
President Barack Obama receives a jersey from quarterback Aaron Rodgers (L) of the Green Bay Packers during a reception for the National Football League Super Bowl XLV champions on the south lawn of the White House on Aug. 12, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The Packers, lead by head coach Mike McCarthy, finished the 2010 season with a winning record of 10-6, and defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 to win the championship.
(Mark Wilson, Getty Images)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers plays during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Spyglass Hill Golf Course on Feb. 8, 2018.
(Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Danica Patrick and Aaron Rodgers look on during the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the first round of the 2019 NBA playoffs between the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 17, 2019. Rodgers has an ownership stake in the NBA team.
(Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)
13
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers is shown with back up quarterbacks Tim Boyle (left) and Jordan Love during the team's training camp in Green Bay, Wis., on Aug. 24, 2020.
(Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers served as guest host of "Jeopardy!" for two weeks from April 6-15, 2021.
(Carol Kaelson/Jeopardy Productions)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers celebrates his rushing touchdown during a 24-14 win against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Oct. 17, 2021.
(Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
16
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Aaron Rodgers stand arm in arm late in the fourth quarter of a 24-10 win against the Washington Football Team on Oct. 24, 2021, at Lambeau Field
(Dan Powers / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is lifted up by guard Lucas Patrick after breaking Brett Favre's franchise record for touchdown passes during a Christmas Day 2021 game against the Cleveland Browns.
(Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers walks off the field with teammate Randall Cobb following a season-ending loss to the Detroit Lions on Jan, 8, 2023 at Lambeau Field.
(Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets prior to the 2023 season after spending the first 18 years of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers.
(Ed Mulholland, USA TODAY Sports)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is injured after a sack by Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd during his first drive with the Jets on Sept. 11, 2023.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Aaron Rodgers looks on from the sideline during the New York Jets' 30-0 loss against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Dec. 17, 2023.
(Sam Navarro, USA TODAY Sports)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) signs a fan’s helmet before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 15, 2024.
(Morgan Tencza, Imagn Images)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and wide receiver Davante Adams (17) high-five each other as they walks off the field after a 32-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 15, 2024.
(Corey Perrine, Florida Times-Union)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws his 500th career touchdown pass in the second quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.
(Kevin R. Wexler, NorthJersey.com via USA TODAY Network)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) celebrates his touchdown pass to New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (17) (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025.
(Ed Mulholland, Imagn Images)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
The ball used by New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers for his 500th touchdown pass is seen on the sideline during the second quarter of the Jets game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025.
(Ed Mulholland, Imagn Images)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks off the field with wide receiver Davante Adams (17) after a win against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
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Revisit Aaron Rodgers' NFL career as he announces 22nd season
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers fumbles as he is hit by the Houston Texans' Will Anderson Jr. The Texans' Sheldon Rankins (90) returned the fumble for a touchdown as Houston went on to a 30-6 wild-card playoff win at Acrisure Stadium on Jan. 12, 2026.
"I'm not gonna make any emotional decisions," Rodgers said after the game . "Disappointed, you know, obviously, such a fun year. A lot of adversity, but a lot of fun. Been a great year overall in my life in the last year, and this is a really good part of that, being a part of this team. So it's disappointing to be sitting here."
Rodgers, who has spoken glowingly of his experience with the Steelers didn't want to talk about whether he wanted to remain in Pittsburgh if he chose to keep playing.
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"Every game could be my final game," he added.
If this was the final game for Rodgers, he goes into retirement as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks to ever play the sport.
He is a four-time NFL MVP, four-time first-team All-Pro and a 10-time Pro Bowl player. He is a Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP. He will eventually be in the Hall of Fame. For now, let the offseason of speculation begin.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch Aaron Rodgers leave field after Steelers loss, retirement rumors
